Pang Ung lake is hidden gem behind Ruam Thai village

Discover a misty paradise of swans, cherry blossoms, and royal legacy in Thailand’s northern highlands.

A Hidden Alpine Jewel

Tucked behind Ruam Thai Village in Mae Hong Son Province, Pang Ung Lake is a secluded treasure where crisp mountain air meets mirror-like waters. This serene lake, part of a Royal Initiative Project spearheaded by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, was designed to promote sustainable highland development and uplift local communities. Today, it stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and royal vision, offering travelers a rare blend of tranquility and adventure.

A Royal Vision Realized

Once a remote, lesser-known corner of Thailand, Pang-Ung has blossomed into an ecotourism gem. The area’s transformation under Queen Sirikit’s initiative introduced reforestation, organic farming, and wildlife conservation—most notably the introduction of black and white swans, gifted by Her Majesty. These elegant birds glide across the lake, their presence symbolizing harmony between humanity and nature.

Winter Magic: Mist, Camping & Cherry Blossoms

From December to February, Pang Ung transforms into a winter wonderland. Temperatures drop to 5–10°C, creating a surreal landscape where mist rises like smoke over the lake at dawn. Campers flock here to pitch tents (30 THB/night) or rent cozy homestays, waking up to fog-draped vistas that feel plucked from a fairy tale. By January, the surrounding forests burst into color with cherry blossoms, painting the hillsides in delicate shades of pink—a sight unique to this season.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sunrise Rafting: Drift on bamboo rafts (50 THB/person) as the first sunlight pierces the mist, turning the lake to gold. Keep your camera ready for close encounters with the royal swans.

• Pang Ung Park Exploration: Stroll through the park near the Royal Project office, where avocado, plum, and persimmon trees thrive alongside winter blooms like hydrangeas and orchids.

• Trek to Viewpoints: Hike through pine forests to vantage points like Pha Nam Dip Cliff, where panoramic views of the mist-shrouded valley await.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: December–February for mist, cherry blossoms, and cool weather.

• Accommodation: Camp lakeside (30 THB/night), book a rustic bungalow at Tham Pla-Phasuea National Park, or stay in Ban Rak Thai Village for a cultural immersion.

• Pack: Warm layers, cash (no ATMs), and a reusable water bottle.

Nearby Attractions

• Ban Rak Thai Village (10 km): A charming Yunnanese enclave known for tea plantations, crispy pork belly, and traditional costumes.

• Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge (60 km): Walk Thailand’s longest bamboo bridge, winding through rice paddies and Karen villages.

• Tham Pla-Nam Tok Pha Suea National Park: Explore waterfalls, fish-filled caves, and lush trails just a short drive away.

Getting to Pang Ung Lake :

From Mae Hong Son route to Pang Ung, it is the same raod to Pai.

• By Bus : To travel by bus, take a local bus at Sai-Yud market in Mae Hong Son. The bus operates 2 times a day at 09:00 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. The trip takes 2.5 hours.
• By Car : To travel by your own transportation, from Mae Hong Son, follow the sign to “Ban Rak Thai”. At the “Na Pa Paek” village, turn left. Then, follow the sign to “Pang Ung Reservoir“.
• Tour Option : Simplify your trip with a Mae Hong Son tour package, which includes stops at Pai, Doi Inthanon, and other highlights.